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Of the nearly 26,000 acre Imperial
National Wildlife Refuge, 15,000 are designated wilderness. The important
designation helps ensure this amazing desert landscape is protected for future
generations. Wilderness designation offers protection from logging or mining and
prevents the construction of permanent roads, vehicles or structures.

In 1903 President
Theodore Roosevelt established the Pelican Island Bird Reservation, the first of
53 federal reserves he would create during his time in office and the roots of
what is today known as the National Wildlife Refuge System. The 26th president
was a dedicated naturalist throughout his life and is considered by many to have
been the country’s “Conservationist President.”

Rallus longirostris yumanensis

The Yuma clapper rail has very specific needs, including marsh habitat where they
can nest and forage on small fish, insects and crayfish. This type of habitat has disappeared from much of the lower Colorado River but is still found on Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. The long-legged bird with a short tail
will give a loud distinctive call that sounds like hands clapping rapidly,
hence its name. Through monitoring and restoration efforts, the refuge is
actively working to protect and enhance habitat for this unique and highly
endangered bird.